New York, N.Y. — August 18 — Firefighters reacted to a seven-alarm fire at the former Deutsche Bank building at 130 Liberty Street in Lower Manhattan nineteen years ago. The building was undergoing asbestos treatment and demolition after damage from the September 11 attacks.

The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) was the first organization to respond. Among the first companies to respond were Engine 10 and Ladder 10, which were stationed at the Ten House just across from the building. Additional FDNY engine and ladder companies, rescue and squad companies, hazardous-material resources, and command officers were dispatched to the scene as the fire spread. A massive FDNY response was later recorded in city archives.

The fire began during the afternoon of August 18, 2007, and spread through the partially demolished high-rise. Firefighters faced difficult conditions inside the building, including maze-like partitions used during asbestos abatement and a standpipe system that had been disconnected during the deconstruction. NIOSH later identified the building's conditions and lack of a functioning standpipe as major factors in the incident.

Firefighters Joseph Graffagnino of Ladder Company 5 and Robert Beddia of Engine Company 24 became trapped inside the building while operating on the fire. Both were found unconscious on the 14th floor and later died from their injuries.

In the end, seven alarms were raised by the fire. The New York City Department of Investigation subsequently reported that about 100 firefighters were hurt during the response, but more than 100 firefighters were hurt. 46 of the 115 nonfatal firefighter injuries reported in NIOSH records led to medical leave.

Serious issues with the building's safety conditions, inspection protocols, and fire-protection equipment were discovered during post-fire investigations. The building had not undergone the necessary FDNY inspections throughout the dismantling phase, according to the NYC Department of Investigation. The city's supervision of construction, demolition, and asbestos-abatement operations was later altered as a result of the catastrophe.

Firefighter Graffagnino was posthumously promoted to lieutenant. Graffagnino had been appointed to the FDNY in 1999, while Beddia was appointed in 1983.

On August 18, 2026, the FDNY and the fire service community remember Graffagnino and Beddia for their service and sacrifice.

Firefighter Joseph Graffagnino — Ladder Company 5

Firefighter Robert Beddia — Engine Company 24

Their names remain part of the FDNY's line-of-duty history, and their service continues to be remembered.